Got Game!

By staff | December 1, 2005

It's easy to get caught up in the area's relaxing pursuits, but people itching for exercise and competition don't have to go far. With water sports aplenty and golf courses galore, Sarasota invites athletes by land or by sea to find out who can hit the longest drive, catch the... Read more »

It's easy to get caught up in the area's relaxing pursuits, but people itching for exercise and competition don't have to go far. With water sports aplenty and golf courses galore, Sarasota invites athletes by land or by sea to find out who can hit the longest drive, catch the biggest fish-or the biggest air.

Sarasota is known as an international golf mecca with plenty of courses for all handicaps, some designed by familiar names like Arnold Palmer and Ted McAnlis. Most of those courses accompany nearby tennis courts, be they Har-Tru or clay.

If being a spectator is more your sport, the area is a spring-training hotspot for Major League baseball, hosting Reds and Pirates home games in March and single-A squads throughout the baseball season. Exercise your lungs by shouting your way to victory during races at the Sarasota Kennel Club and professional baseball, football and hockey games in nearby Tampa/St. Petersburg.

Sure, some folks will say they're just looking for a laid-back day at the ballpark or on the links, but let's face it: Relaxation is so much better when you win.

BASEBALL

Cincinnati Reds, Ed Smith Stadium, 12th Street and Tuttle Avenue, Sarasota. 954-4464. The Major League team calls Sarasota home for spring training games in March.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-8821. Forty-five holes of golf (Islandside and Harbourside courses) open to members and guests of The Resort at Longboat Key Club. Private.

The Ritz-Carlton Members Golf Club, Lakewood Ranch off Lorraine Road. 309-2000. Tom Fazio-designed, 18-hole championship course with 16 lakes, framed by the Braden River. Scheduled to open December 2005. Private.

River Club Golf Course, 6600 River Club Blvd., Bradenton. Eighteen-hole course. Public.

Gold's Gym, 3762 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota. 923-GOLD. Along with the weight training that has defined its reputation, Gold's has a ladies-only second level, full nutritional counseling, full cardio area and childcare.

South County YMCA, 701 Center Road, Venice. 493-6130. In addition to aquatics and childcare, the South County YMCA has a gymnastics program, cardio and strength training and pre- and after-school programs for kids.

The Resort at Longboat Key Club, 301 Gulf of Mexico Drive, Longboat Key. 383-8821. Thirty-eight Har-Tru tennis courts, six lighted. Open to members and guests of The Resort at Longboat Key Club.

Serendipity Racquet and Tennis Club, 3600 Torrey Pines Blvd, Sarasota. 922-1591. At the Country Club of Sarasota; recently renovated to include new tennis courts, new fitness and locker room and new pro shop.